Get ready to rock at Springfest II

Like the azaleas blooming all over the town, Springfest, on May 2, will usher spring into Fort Mill.

Among several new features put in place after last year's inaugural event, the festival will kick off this year at 8 a.m. with the Gerald Parks Memorial Foundation 5K Run/Walk. Other Springfest events will begin at 10 a.m. at Walter Elisha Park.

New this year will be several exciting programs, said Town Clerk April Beachum, mainly a Guitar Hero competition and a Rock Band competition.

"We've had a real positive response about that," Beachum said. "A lot of younger people are jazzed about it. I think a lot of the young people and some of the more mature of us might try our hand at it, too."

Springfest is the Town of Fort Mill's official spring festival and run by the town. Up until last year, Fest-i-Fun was the town's signature spring event, but that festival, which was run by a citizens committee with help from the town, was not renewed after the 2007 edition was cut short by a fire on Main Street.

Like last year, two stages will be set up for entertainment throughout the day for Springfest. Local talent will be showcased from groups including Riverview and Springfield Elementary School, the Martial Arts Institute and All Nations Church.

York County Idol, a popular event at last year's Springfest, will be held at 3:30 p.m. The Chuckleheads, an improve comedy troupe that performs frequently at Beef O' Brady's in Baxter Village, will perform at 5 p.m.

Planning for the event, including coordinating the multiple food vendors and Piedmont Medical Center's Healthy Hometown, has been smooth sailing so far, Beachum said.

"I think everything is running real smooth, even better than last year," she added.

Piedmont's Healthy Hometown includes health screenings, a bicycle rodeo, and checkups at the Teddy Bear First Aid station.

The hot air balloon scheduled to appear at last year's Springfest will return this year, with the hopes that the weather will cooperate and allow for hot air balloon rides.

For children, a kid's zone will be available full of inflatable games and rides. Craft booths will also be set up for children.

Registration information for the Gerald Parks Memorial Foundation 5K Run/Walk, and the complete Springfest schedule, can be found at www.fortmillsc.org.

Never miss a local story.

Sign up today for unlimited digital access to our website, apps, the digital newspaper and more.